Part 1 Writing due 10/31
Part 2 Design due 11/7
Chapter 1 Native American Project (North West Culture Area)
Past Examples
Period 1
Period 3
Period 4
Period 8
Period 9
A totem can be the symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual. Native American tradition provides that each individual is connected with nine different animals that will accompany each person through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey.
Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.
With this one animal a connection is shared, either through interest in the animal, characteristics, dreams, or other interaction.
Totem Pole Tasks
For this project you will explore the most important aspects of your life and culture.
1. Choose five symbols that represent your family, individual traits, dreams, and overall culture? (It does not have to be an animal because our culture is vastly different than that of Native Americans)
- Questions to think about when choosing your totems…….
- What is important to you / your family culture?
- What accompanies you through life?
- What guides you on your journey?
- What characteristics / traits define you?
- What are your dreams and aspirations?
Use this organizer to write about the importance of each of your totems
2. Design a Totem Pole that best represents you and/or your family (culture) To get a maximum grade of 100 you must make your totem using tinkercad.
To get a maximum grade of 85 you can draw your totem pole.
(The top two Totem Pole designs from each class will be decided by a class vote) Your design will be graded and displayed in the class and on our class website. Specific Measurements must be 145 mm maximum height, 35 mm maximum width, 30 maximum depth.
Use the organizer posted on Google classroom to plan out your totem pole. You will write 5 paragraphs; one for each symbol you choose. Explain why that symbol is important to you.
3. Each class will select one totem pole to 3D print for display
HELPFUL LINKS
SAMPLE STUDENT WRITING EXAMPLES
4. Hand in the Totem Pole Project Using Google Slides
- Step 1 – Take a screen shot or picture of your totem pole and paste/insert it on the slide with your name.
- Step 2 – HyperLink / Share your writing document to your name on the slide. Make sure you allow jamandola@socsd.org to have viewing privileges.
